Macleaya Cordata Extract in Poultry and Livestock: Performance Enhancers

The extract of Macleaya cordata is increasingly being utilized in the animal feed industry due to its natural properties and growing demand for antibiotic-free and organic alternatives. It is particularly effective in poultry and livestock diets, where it supports healthier growth and boosts productivity. As concerns around synthetic chemicals and antibiotics in animal feed rise, Macleaya cordata offers a natural solution for improving animal health and performance. Its inclusion in feed formulations aligns with current trends in sustainable farming practices.

What Is Macleaya Cordata Extract?

Macleaya cordata (Willd.) R. Br.), is a Chinese herbal medicine with multiple biological effects. This extract is mainly used to optimize growth, improve feed efficiency and support overall animal health.The earliest herbal literature recording macleaya cordata was in the Chinese compendium of materia medica.is gaining popularity in the agricultural industry as a natural feed additive for poultry and livestock.

Active ingredients

• Sanguinarine: An isoquinoline alkaloid that is a major active compound in MCE
• Chelerythrine: A benzophenanthridine alkaloid that is an active compound in MCE
• Protopine: An isoquinoline alkaloid that has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and hepatoprotective effects
• Allocryptopine: An isoquinoline alkaloid that has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and hepatoprotective effects

Macleaya Cordata Extract as Feed Additive in Poultry and Livestock Dosage

Macleaya cordata extract, derived from the Plume Poppy plant, offers a range of health benefits for various types of poultry and livestock, including chickens, ducks, sheep, cows, and horses. It is known for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting properties, which can enhance overall health, performance, and productivity.

Recommended Dosage for Different Species

Chickens

• Dosage: Typically 0.1% to 0.2% of total feed. This helps improve digestion, growth, and immune function in chickens.

Ducks

• Dosage: Similar to chickens, ducks generally receive 0.2% to 0.3% of total feed. The higher dosage may be used to support growth and improve gut health.

Sheep

• Dosage: For sheep, the recommended dosage is usually 0.1% to 0.3% of their total feed intake. This supports digestion, immune health, and overall growth.

Cows (Cattle)

• Dosage: Cattle typically receive 0.1% to 0.2% of total feed. This dosage helps promote gut health, reduce inflammation, and improve nutrient absorption.

Horses

• Dosage: Horses should be given 0.1% to 0.2% of total feed, depending on their size and health needs. This can aid in reducing inflammation, supporting gut health, and enhancing overall vitality.

As a Macleaya Cordata Extract Manufacturer, we are pleased to offer a MOQ of 1kg-1ton, with the flexibility to customize orders based on your specific requirements. Whether you need smaller quantities for research, formulation, or testing, or larger quantities for commercial production, we can accommodate your needs.

Performance Enhancers: Macleaya Cordata Extract in Poultry and Livestock

Macleaya cordata extract, known for its bioactive alkaloids such as sanguinarine and chelerythrine, provides several performance-enhancing benefits when used as a feed additive in poultry and livestock. Its properties help optimize growth, productivity, and overall health in animals. Below are key performance enhancers effects of Macleaya cordata extract:

1. Improved Feed Efficiency: Macleaya cordata extract supports a healthy gut microbiota and promotes optimal digestion. This leads to better nutrient absorption, allowing animals to make more efficient use of the nutrients in their feed, which improves growth and feed conversion rates.

2. Growth Promotion: The active compounds in Macleaya cordata extract have been shown to support faster growth in poultry and livestock by improving digestive health and nutrient utilization. This is particularly beneficial during early stages of development, when rapid growth is crucial.

3. Immune System Support: Macleaya cordata extract strengthens the immune system, helping animals resist infections and recover more quickly from illnesses. A strong immune system is essential for maintaining high productivity, as healthier animals perform better in terms of growth, reproduction, and overall well-being.

4. Gut Health and Digestive Efficiency: The antimicrobial properties of Macleaya cordata extract help maintain a healthy gut environment by controlling harmful bacteria and promoting the growth of beneficial microorganisms. A balanced gut microbiome supports optimal digestion and nutrient absorption, directly improving performance.

5. Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Effects: The antioxidant properties of Macleaya cordata extract protect cells from oxidative damage, which can negatively affect growth and performance. By minimizing oxidative stress, the extract supports overall health and longevity in poultry and livestock.

Regulatory Aspects of Zootechnical Additives

Zootechnical additives must meet strict regulatory standards to ensure their safety, efficacy, and minimal environmental impact. Regulatory bodies such as the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) govern the approval and use of these additives in animal feed. These organizations require comprehensive safety and performance testing before any zootechnical additive is approved for use in commercial animal production.

Benefits of Zootechnical Additives

• Improved Animal Performance: By optimizing growth, feed efficiency, and reproduction, these additives help increase overall farm productivity.
• Health Benefits: Zootechnical additives improve gut health, immune system function, and disease resistance, reducing reliance on antibiotics.
• Sustainability: By enhancing feed efficiency and reducing the need for medical interventions, zootechnical additives contribute to more sustainable farming practices.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Proper use of zootechnical additives can reduce feed costs by improving feed conversion ratios and minimizing waste.

Greenagribio Macleaya Cordata Extract undergoes rigorous quality control to ensure purity, potency, and safety. It’s free from contaminants such as heavy metals and pesticides, ensuring that it meets the highest industry standards.

Processing Flow of Macleaya Cordata Extract

The process of extracting bioactive compounds from Macleaya cordata (Plume Poppy) involves several key steps, from plant collection to the final extraction and formulation. These steps ensure the preservation of the plant’s active compounds, such as sanguinarine and chelerythrine, which are responsible for its health benefits in animal feed. Here is a general outline of the processing flow:

1. Harvesting the Plant

• Collection: The first step in the process is the careful harvesting of Macleaya cordata. The plant is typically harvested when its alkaloid content is at its peak, usually when it is fully mature.
• Selection of Plant Material: Only the parts of the plant containing the highest concentrations of bioactive compounds (leaves, stems, or roots) are chosen for extraction.

2. Drying

• Initial Drying: After harvesting, the plant material is dried to reduce moisture content. Drying is a crucial step to preserve the integrity of the alkaloids and prevent microbial growth during storage. This is typically done through air drying or in controlled drying ovens.
• Temperature Control: The drying temperature should be carefully controlled to prevent the degradation of active compounds.

3. Grinding

• Powdering: After drying, the plant material may be ground into a fine powder. Grinding increases the surface area, which can improve the efficiency of the extraction process.
• Screening: The ground material is then screened to ensure uniform particle size, optimizing the extraction process.

4. Extraction

• Solvent Selection: The next step is the extraction of bioactive compounds from the plant material. Solvents such as ethanol, methanol, or water are typically used to dissolve the alkaloids (sanguinarine, chelerythrine). The choice of solvent depends on the desired compounds and extraction efficiency.
• Extraction Method: Various extraction methods can be used, such as:

• Cold Extraction: Involves soaking the plant material in a solvent for several hours or days at a low temperature.
• Hot Extraction (e.g., Soxhlet Extraction): A more efficient method where the plant material is heated in the solvent to increase the release of bioactive compounds.
• Ultrasonic Extraction: Uses sound waves to break down plant cells and release the alkaloids.
• Filtration: After extraction, the solvent and plant material mixture is filtered to remove solids and obtain a liquid extract.

5. Concentration

• Purification (if necessary): In some cases, further purification may be required to isolate specific alkaloids or remove impurities. Techniques such as chromatography can be used at this stage.
• Evaporation: The solvent is evaporated from the liquid extract under controlled conditions, usually through rotary evaporation, to concentrate the extract. This step removes the majority of the solvent, leaving behind the concentrated active compounds.

6. Drying or Formulation

• Spray Drying or Freeze Drying: To create a stable powder form of the extract, it can be spray-dried or freeze-dried. These methods preserve the potency of the bioactive compounds and facilitate incorporation into animal feed.
• Formulation into Feed Additives: The final extract can be blended with carriers or other feed ingredients to create a standardized product, such as powders, pellets, or liquid concentrates, for inclusion in animal feed.

7. Quality Control and Testing

• Standardization: The final extract is tested for its concentration of active compounds, ensuring that it meets quality standards and contains the desired levels of alkaloids (such as sanguinarine and chelerythrine).
• Safety Testing: The product undergoes safety assessments to ensure that it is free from contaminants such as heavy metals, pesticides, or microbial pathogens. This ensures that the extract is safe for animal consumption.
• Performance Testing: In some cases, the final product is tested for its effectiveness as a feed additive, evaluating its impact on animal health, growth, and performance.

8. Packaging and Distribution

• Once the extract passes all quality control checks, it is packaged in appropriate containers (e.g., bags, drums, bottles) and prepared for distribution to feed manufacturers, farmers, or the agricultural industry.

Conclusion

By integrating Macleaya Cordata Extract into your feed or supplement products, you can enhance animal health, reduce veterinary costs, and improve overall productivity. This translates into lower production costs and higher returns for your business. Feel free to reach out, and we can explore how we can collaborate to meet your goals with our premium Macleaya Cordata Extract.

FAQs

1. Is Macleaya Cordata Extract safe for animals?

Yes, Macleaya Cordata Extract is safe when used at the recommended dosages. However, excessive use can lead to toxicity due to the alkaloids it contains. It’s crucial to follow the recommended dosage guidelines and monitor animals for any adverse reactions. Always consult with experts to ensure safe and effective use.

2. Can Macleaya Cordata Extract replace antibiotics or other feed additives?

Macleaya Cordata Extract can serve as a natural alternative to antibiotics and synthetic growth promoters. Its antimicrobial and immune-boosting properties help reduce the need for antibiotics, particularly in antibiotic-free or organic production systems. However, it should not be viewed as a direct replacement for all medical treatments, and veterinary guidance is recommended in case of illness.

3. How long does it take to see the effects of Macleaya Cordata Extract?

The time it takes to observe visible benefits can vary depending on the animal’s condition, age, and the type of feed. Generally, improvements in gut health, growth, and immune function may be noticed within 2 to 4 weeks of consistent use at the recommended dosage.

4. Can Macleaya Cordata Extract be combined with other feed additives?

Yes, Macleaya Cordata Extract can be safely combined with other feed additives like probiotics, enzymes, vitamins, and minerals to optimize animal health and performance. However, it’s essential to consult with a nutritionist to ensure proper formulation and avoid any interactions between additives.

5. Where can I purchase Macleaya Cordata Extract?

You can purchase Macleaya Cordata Extract directly from specialized Greenagribio suppliers, agricultural feed companies, or through agricultural product distributors. It’s important to choose a supplier that provides high-quality, tested extracts that meet safety and regulatory standards.